A review of New Zealand's intelligence agencies says they need to make urgent changes to ensure they can do their work properly.
The State Services Commission says the agencies have unclear priorities, have struggled to vet government employees quickly enough, and have weak management and financial systems.
The commission's review covers all aspects of the intelligence community including the Government Communications Security Bureau, the Security Intelligence Service and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Only a summary has been released, as the full report is classified as top secret.
It says the agencies need to take immediate and deliberate action to improve their operations.
The review also emphasises New Zealand's reliance on international partnerships such as the Five Eyes spy network, saying New Zealand's own intelligence community wouldn't be able to operate on its own.
Crown lawyer appointed to new role
A Crown lawyer has been appointed to the new position of deputy inspector-general of intelligence and security.
Ben Keith has most recently been Crown Counsel for constitutional, human rights and international law and will take up the role on Wednesday for a three-year term.
Prime Minister John Key said Mr Keith would work with Inspector-General Cheryl Gwyn to strengthen further the independent oversight of New Zealand's intelligence community.
The deputy position was created in law changes made last year, after a damning report found the Government's electronic spy agency had illegally spied on New Zealanders.
